Need help navigating the world of insurance payment for damaged rv
ChefMom said
09:16 AM Jul 30, 2014
Hoping someone can help with their knowledge or similar experience. DH tagged a fence with the side of our tt going into a park. Ripped off the water heater door and damaged the outside electrical plug, along with a crease down a portion of the side. We were all upset but everything was still operational so we tried to enjoy our trip and put the accident on the back burner until our return home. Stopped at Camping World on our way home to get an estimate on repair. Have the estimate from them now and it is significantly higher than the check cut for us by our insurance company. I am told that in order to get supplemental payment to the repair shop for all repairs to be done, I must first accept the check the insurance company has cut us and then the repair shop will contact our insurance rep to have their appraiser come out to their shop to see why they have given the repair estimate they have. My fear is that I accept this check and then the insurance company and repair shop do not come to agreement and we'll be on the hook for the remainder of the repair (which would be significant). Anyone with experience dealing with insurance companies and/or repair shops? Input would be greatly appreciated.
The Junkman said
10:15 AM Jul 30, 2014
With cars.. it should be the same wih rv's..
Did you have adjuster look at the damage to begin with? or just a shop?
Normally , the check is cut to the repair shop.. then the repair shop would put in for the supplements to the insurance company.. and get paid directly by them.
If you had the insurance company cut you the check.. I would check the settlement, and make sure you did not agree to settle, with no supplements.. If you settled.. your done.
If you did not , you should bring the rv in to the shop.. let the shop call the adjuster, and get them in for the supplements. I don't think I would cash the check til the adjuster agreed , in writting with the written estimate...
If they say to accept the check and then have the adjuster come out.. Adjuster can say no go..Or if the repair approaches 70% of the value.. they may total it. They what is your deal with the shop? are you going to have to pay what they did so far? You shouldn't..
How much have you received? how much off is the repair shop ? and why is it so far off?
-- Edited by The Junkman on Wednesday 30th of July 2014 10:17:02 AM
ChefMom said
10:30 AM Jul 30, 2014
Yup. The insurance company sent out an appraiser. I have no idea why there is such a huge difference other than the estimate from the repair shop is mostly labor. My thought is that I can show the repair shop the check and have them ask the appraiser from the insurance company come out so they can explain their costs to him and find out wht the insurance company will pay before I commit to the repairs. Hope this works.
The Junkman said
01:52 PM Jul 30, 2014
Is the shop, a recommended shop from your insurance company? It will go easier if it is..
Glenn West said
11:30 AM Aug 3, 2014
Might just be Camping World. One's I know of, I wouldn't let them touch my unit.
SnowGypsy said
12:24 PM Aug 3, 2014
If you have any other choices of RV repair in your area, I would get a 2nd and even a 3rd estimate. CW can be high and I have not heard the best things about them. You might google for any issues with the particular one that you are planning to use. I would not do a lot of guessing on what you "might" be able to do because it "might" end up costing you a lot in the end. Be firm.
Another thought: What is your deductible amount on your policy? Would that amount and the check from the insurance company come closer to the estimate from CW?
-- Edited by SnowGypsy on Sunday 3rd of August 2014 03:53:44 PM
ChefMom said
05:35 AM Aug 5, 2014
Deductible plus check are still quite a bit "off" from Camping World estimate for repair.
The Junkman said
10:17 AM Aug 5, 2014
Either Camping world needs to meet the appraisers price..
Or you need to bring it to the appraiser approved shop.. who as a "direct repair shop" for your insurance company, They must accept the amount the appraiser provides.. Of course if there is unseen damage that is realized in tear down.. Then a supplement can be submitted , for approval by your insurance company. No work should start, or be added, without the approval from you and your insurance co..
Seems there may be more to the story ? How much time passed from the time of the accident til now? Have you approved the repair at the shop without your insurance co?
If you don't want to pay out of pocket.. Bring it to the insurance companies direct repair facilities.. It's that simple.. If you choose to bring it elsewhere, you may need to foot some of the bill.
WestWardHo said
10:24 AM Aug 5, 2014
I agree with SnowGypsy & Glenn West about CampingWorld.
Love your tag line, ChefMom! 😄
Sherry
ChefMom said
08:42 AM Aug 6, 2014
Thanks for all of the advice. We definitely will get a 2nd and maybe 3rd opinion. I'll just be glad when it is all fixed and this is all over with.
ChefMom said
09:54 AM Aug 7, 2014
Just checked the insert the insurance company sent us for "approved" body shops and they are all automobile body shops. Not one is an rv repair shop. Is this anyone else's experience? To me, that is like finding out you have a brain tumor and having someone refer you to their dentist! Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I should approach this with our insurance rep? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
The Junkman said
11:46 AM Aug 7, 2014
Why can't your shop do the repair at the appraisers price? You should have a written estimate from the adjuster.. and a written estimate from the shop. What is different?
SnowGypsy said
11:56 AM Aug 7, 2014
I would talk with the auto body shops about what repairs I was needing and see what they say, find out if they have done those kinds of repairs before. The work you require isn't "brain surgery" and would not take a lot of skill to complete. I tend to believe the auto body shop repairman would probably be more experienced and skilled than someone at Camping World. You're going to have to be pro-active, make calls and visit. Have you talked with your insurance representative about your concerns? That person is supposed to work for you and can explain the reasoning behind whatever is going on.
ChefMom said
08:14 AM Aug 11, 2014
The difference in estimate costs is of course labor. My hubby is calling the insurance rep. back today to find out why we only have a list of auto body repair shops so hopefully we will get answers and know what to do next.
The Junkman said
08:32 AM Aug 11, 2014
ChefMom wrote:
The difference in estimate costs is of course labor. My hubby is calling the insurance rep. back today to find out why we only have a list of auto body repair shops so hopefully we will get answers and know what to do next.
Labor is mandated by the adjuster.. Not the shop. If your shop won't do the work for that amount.. They have one that will.. It's in your policy , I'm sure.
If you can get 3 estimates from 3 different RV repair facilities.. You may be able to make a case.. That time and expense will be on you.
Good luck
jimindenver said
08:55 AM Aug 16, 2014
We are currently going thru the process due to hail damage. The adjuster came out and wrote us a check for less than half of what the service center wants. They faxed a estimate to the insurance and next week a adjuster will meet with them. Once they have settled on repair cost the insurance will do a valuation of our 3 yr old rig to decide if it's going to be totaled. This is likely in our case since the damage is close to or exceeds it's value. We may get a check that will pay off the loan and put some cash back in our pockets. I am hoping they sell it back cheap as most of the damage is cosmetic and I can fix the rest.
The Junkman said
09:13 AM Aug 16, 2014
jimindenver wrote:
We are currently going thru the process due to hail damage. The adjuster came out and wrote us a check for less than half of what the service center wants. They faxed a estimate to the insurance and next week a adjuster will meet with them. Once they have settled on repair cost the insurance will do a valuation of our 3 yr old rig to decide if it's going to be totaled. This is likely in our case since the damage is close to or exceeds it's value. We may get a check that will pay off the loan and put some cash back in our pockets. I am hoping they sell it back cheap as most of the damage is cosmetic and I can fix the rest.
Yea, They will usually total at 70% of the value..
Check your state laws on the salvage / rebuild process for salvaged Vehicles.. Some states can be a nightmare.. while others are stupid simple..
NYS as example.. Tears into the repair work, Will put it on a lift when needed, want actual receipts for all parts used for legit sources etc, and the process takes months.( rebuilt 100's of cars ). While here in NV, Just did a 64 Falcon.. I barely slowed down through a drive through for inspection..lol.. They just checked the Vin...
jimindenver said
09:28 AM Aug 16, 2014
Interesting, I'll have to call the DMV here. i do know the insurance will drop us as soon as the policy renews.
Outside of the dings, there is replacing the awning fabric, replace the shattered vent lids, the cover to the porch light and a gutter extender. Luckily we checked the trailer right after the storm and got the lids sealed up. Those have been replaced and Maxairs added too.
What I do find interesting after reading how fast trailer depreciate is that our trailer Nada is less than a grand below what we paid brand new. Even the quick valuation the insurance gave was close so I guess I got us a good deal back then. :)
The Junkman said
11:46 AM Aug 16, 2014
Insurance guys won't be using nada.. They use a system that takes it in consideration .. but also actual sales history, equals for sale etc..That would be normal insurance..
You may have a agreed value policy as well..
Usually salvage price will be below trade in price.
cavalry6869 said
03:18 PM Aug 16, 2014
Actually I have had two situations with my insurance company. First one was that my 2003 Aerostar A30R TT developed a BIG leak during storage and the floors were soft from front to back. The adjuster came and looked at the damage and asked me to have an estimate from a local repair shop. I was asked what I thought the TT was worth and I said probably $6500. Closest repair shop to me was in Hanover, PA at Camping World (formerly Reichart's). Estimate from CW was $17,000.00. The estimate was forwarded to the insurance company (Safeco) and TT was totaled. We received a check for $8100.00 minus balance due on the loan.
We bought a used RV from a local RV dealer. 2006 Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8315SS. On my first time out I miscalculated the length and damaged a Ford Ranger pickup truck. I am not sure what that cost to repair. I had taken my TT back to the dealer to have some repairs done to it that we found on out maiden voyage. Biggest part of repair to my TT was less than my deductible, $250.00. Dealer never even forwarded the estimate of repair to my insurance company.
Believe me, I am tickled to death with Safeco Insurance for this and other reasons. Ed
The Junkman said
05:15 PM Aug 16, 2014
8100 sounds right... there is a 30rl on rvt.com for 14k.. camping world though.. 8100 would be about right for a normal policy, I'd guess...
jimindenver said
10:08 AM Aug 24, 2014
As a update for our situation.
It took a month for the shop to get the repair written up and sent to the insurance company. They sent a adjuster back out and due to labor rates, totaled the trailer. They offed the trailer back to us for $3300 which I thought was high but they were not budging. He was looking at the pictures of the rig and was right in that it doesn't look bad in or out, except for the front where you can see the dings.
After looking at various options including used for the payoff or starting new again, we decided that there wasn't a better deal than our own 3 yr old trouble free trailer paid off and a check big enough to cover essential repairs. It took $8600 of payments off and it won't even have a salvaged title. Colorado doesn't allow salvaged titles for hail damage so it is plateable still. Now we just need to load most of the stuff back in it and get back to camping.
ChefMom said
09:55 AM Sep 23, 2014
Update. Repair shop has finally been able to get a counter quote from the insurance company and has accepted same. I am told that repairs could be completed as soon as by the end of this week. HOORAY!
Ran n Jo said
10:26 AM Sep 23, 2014
ChefMom,
I am glad things are finally working out. Here's hoping it is good to go by the end of the week!
Jo
ChefMom said
05:38 AM Oct 1, 2014
Pick up delayed a bit by mismatched color on J Wrap front panel that had to be replaced. It is ready for pick up this Saturday and hopefully will be a job well done.
ChefMom said
10:28 AM Oct 20, 2014
Finally picked up our tt and they did a great job. What a headache the process was though. Despite the good work done, I don't know that I would go back to them for any additional work that might be needed anywhere down the road.
On another note, I know this isn't the right "topic section" but i can't seem to find the right one----I need to know how others who have tt's cover them. Ours is finally covered after my husband (who is fearless to the point of causing me to have a nervous breakdown) jumped from the roof of the trailer over to the roof of our house in order to catch and pull down the side of the cover closest to the house. Not a long process but a nerve racking one (for me, not him). Is there an easier way or tool?
Hoping someone can help with their knowledge or similar experience. DH tagged a fence with the side of our tt going into a park. Ripped off the water heater door and damaged the outside electrical plug, along with a crease down a portion of the side. We were all upset but everything was still operational so we tried to enjoy our trip and put the accident on the back burner until our return home. Stopped at Camping World on our way home to get an estimate on repair. Have the estimate from them now and it is significantly higher than the check cut for us by our insurance company. I am told that in order to get supplemental payment to the repair shop for all repairs to be done, I must first accept the check the insurance company has cut us and then the repair shop will contact our insurance rep to have their appraiser come out to their shop to see why they have given the repair estimate they have. My fear is that I accept this check and then the insurance company and repair shop do not come to agreement and we'll be on the hook for the remainder of the repair (which would be significant). Anyone with experience dealing with insurance companies and/or repair shops? Input would be greatly appreciated.
With cars.. it should be the same wih rv's..
Did you have adjuster look at the damage to begin with? or just a shop?
Normally , the check is cut to the repair shop.. then the repair shop would put in for the supplements to the insurance company.. and get paid directly by them.
If you had the insurance company cut you the check.. I would check the settlement, and make sure you did not agree to settle, with no supplements.. If you settled.. your done.
If you did not , you should bring the rv in to the shop.. let the shop call the adjuster, and get them in for the supplements. I don't think I would cash the check til the adjuster agreed , in writting with the written estimate...
If they say to accept the check and then have the adjuster come out.. Adjuster can say no go..Or if the repair approaches 70% of the value.. they may total it. They what is your deal with the shop? are you going to have to pay what they did so far? You shouldn't..
How much have you received? how much off is the repair shop ? and why is it so far off?
-- Edited by The Junkman on Wednesday 30th of July 2014 10:17:02 AM
Yup. The insurance company sent out an appraiser. I have no idea why there is such a huge difference other than the estimate from the repair shop is mostly labor. My thought is that I can show the repair shop the check and have them ask the appraiser from the insurance company come out so they can explain their costs to him and find out wht the insurance company will pay before I commit to the repairs. Hope this works.
If you have any other choices of RV repair in your area, I would get a 2nd and even a 3rd estimate. CW can be high and I have not heard the best things about them. You might google for any issues with the particular one that you are planning to use. I would not do a lot of guessing on what you "might" be able to do because it "might" end up costing you a lot in the end. Be firm.
Another thought: What is your deductible amount on your policy? Would that amount and the check from the insurance company come closer to the estimate from CW?
-- Edited by SnowGypsy on Sunday 3rd of August 2014 03:53:44 PM
Deductible plus check are still quite a bit "off" from Camping World estimate for repair.
Or you need to bring it to the appraiser approved shop.. who as a "direct repair shop" for your insurance company, They must accept the amount the appraiser provides.. Of course if there is unseen damage that is realized in tear down.. Then a supplement can be submitted , for approval by your insurance company. No work should start, or be added, without the approval from you and your insurance co..
Seems there may be more to the story ? How much time passed from the time of the accident til now? Have you approved the repair at the shop without your insurance co?
If you don't want to pay out of pocket.. Bring it to the insurance companies direct repair facilities.. It's that simple.. If you choose to bring it elsewhere, you may need to foot some of the bill.
Love your tag line, ChefMom! 😄
Sherry
Thanks for all of the advice. We definitely will get a 2nd and maybe 3rd opinion. I'll just be glad when it is all fixed and this is all over with.
Just checked the insert the insurance company sent us for "approved" body shops and they are all automobile body shops. Not one is an rv repair shop. Is this anyone else's experience? To me, that is like finding out you have a brain tumor and having someone refer you to their dentist! Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I should approach this with our insurance rep? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
The difference in estimate costs is of course labor. My hubby is calling the insurance rep. back today to find out why we only have a list of auto body repair shops so hopefully we will get answers and know what to do next.
Labor is mandated by the adjuster.. Not the shop. If your shop won't do the work for that amount.. They have one that will.. It's in your policy , I'm sure.
If you can get 3 estimates from 3 different RV repair facilities.. You may be able to make a case.. That time and expense will be on you.
Good luck
Yea, They will usually total at 70% of the value..
Check your state laws on the salvage / rebuild process for salvaged Vehicles.. Some states can be a nightmare.. while others are stupid simple..
NYS as example.. Tears into the repair work, Will put it on a lift when needed, want actual receipts for all parts used for legit sources etc, and the process takes months.( rebuilt 100's of cars ). While here in NV, Just did a 64 Falcon.. I barely slowed down through a drive through for inspection..lol.. They just checked the Vin...
Outside of the dings, there is replacing the awning fabric, replace the shattered vent lids, the cover to the porch light and a gutter extender. Luckily we checked the trailer right after the storm and got the lids sealed up. Those have been replaced and Maxairs added too.
What I do find interesting after reading how fast trailer depreciate is that our trailer Nada is less than a grand below what we paid brand new. Even the quick valuation the insurance gave was close so I guess I got us a good deal back then. :)
You may have a agreed value policy as well..
Usually salvage price will be below trade in price.
Actually I have had two situations with my insurance company. First one was that my 2003 Aerostar A30R TT developed a BIG leak during storage and the floors were soft from front to back. The adjuster came and looked at the damage and asked me to have an estimate from a local repair shop. I was asked what I thought the TT was worth and I said probably $6500. Closest repair shop to me was in Hanover, PA at Camping World (formerly Reichart's). Estimate from CW was $17,000.00. The estimate was forwarded to the insurance company (Safeco) and TT was totaled. We received a check for $8100.00 minus balance due on the loan.
We bought a used RV from a local RV dealer. 2006 Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8315SS. On my first time out I miscalculated the length and damaged a Ford Ranger pickup truck. I am not sure what that cost to repair. I had taken my TT back to the dealer to have some repairs done to it that we found on out maiden voyage. Biggest part of repair to my TT was less than my deductible, $250.00. Dealer never even forwarded the estimate of repair to my insurance company.
Believe me, I am tickled to death with Safeco Insurance for this and other reasons. Ed
It took a month for the shop to get the repair written up and sent to the insurance company. They sent a adjuster back out and due to labor rates, totaled the trailer. They offed the trailer back to us for $3300 which I thought was high but they were not budging. He was looking at the pictures of the rig and was right in that it doesn't look bad in or out, except for the front where you can see the dings.
After looking at various options including used for the payoff or starting new again, we decided that there wasn't a better deal than our own 3 yr old trouble free trailer paid off and a check big enough to cover essential repairs. It took $8600 of payments off and it won't even have a salvaged title. Colorado doesn't allow salvaged titles for hail damage so it is plateable still. Now we just need to load most of the stuff back in it and get back to camping.
I am glad things are finally working out. Here's hoping it is good to go by the end of the week!
Jo
Pick up delayed a bit by mismatched color on J Wrap front panel that had to be replaced. It is ready for pick up this Saturday and hopefully will be a job well done.
On another note, I know this isn't the right "topic section" but i can't seem to find the right one----I need to know how others who have tt's cover them. Ours is finally covered after my husband (who is fearless to the point of causing me to have a nervous breakdown) jumped from the roof of the trailer over to the roof of our house in order to catch and pull down the side of the cover closest to the house. Not a long process but a nerve racking one (for me, not him). Is there an easier way or tool?